Unfortunately, we probably all know someone who has been affected by cancer. The many different types of this disease are treated in many different ways, but for some people, the best hope is a bone marrow transplant. Too often, however, finding a donor is a difficult, if not impossible, task. So many factors come into play, and a perfect match is rare, with a family member often being the best hope. For those without a matching family member, the best hope lies with a generous donor, someone who joined the national bone marrow registry.
Have you considered joining this registry? If you haven't, but are interested in the possibility, now's the time to act. Normally the registry asks that you make a donation of $52 when you join, in order to cover the cost of testing. However, from September 7 to September 22, a sponsor is covering the cost, so you can register for free. Take a moment to consider this option, and then, if you wish, use this link to register.
After registering, you'll receive a kit in the mail, which you'll use to swab the inside of your cheek. The registry will then use the swab as a tissue culture and add you to the list. Should this culture appear to be a match for someone in need, you'll be contacted and asked to undergo further tests, and then should those also indicate a match, you'll be asked to donate marrow. (Just so you know, the chance you'll actually be a match is small, but the chances of a person in need finding a match are even smaller if you don't register.) While the registering part is completely painless, donating bone marrow can be a bit painful (just want to be upfront and honest, since I don't think you should register unless you truly intend to be a donor if you're called upon). BUT, in my opinion, the amount of pain you may suffer is truly a drop in the bucket compared to the joy you'd experience from knowing you helped save someone's life. Anyhow, I encourage you to consider the option and then click on the link above if you're interested. You can also find more information on bone marrow transplants and the donation process by following that link.
4 comments:
I signed up in 1996 for Erin Sheehan but I wasn't a match. I still am hopeful that one day I will be able to help save another person's life by this gift. I do agree that now is the time to act.
I also signed up for Erin but no match. Do you stay on the registry forever?
I believe once you register you stay on the list.
Great to see people promoting marrow donation, especially online. Some of your readers might have missed the cutoff for free registries, so they might be interested in Gift of Life, a similar marrow registry. They've started holding more registration drives recently, and they're also looking for people who can help raise awareness about them by blogging and posting on social networks. Looks like you're already off to a great start!
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